5 cylinder radial with a proper propeller

[gbritnell]

Gentlemen,
The brass flywheel is gone. There wasn't much dignity for a radial running with a flywheel so it needed a bonafide propeller, an aluminum propeller. I started a thread covering the build of the prop so now I can present the engine running with that prop.
gbritnell
[ame]http://youtu.be/i2NyMMGfbOE[/ame]

 

[jwcnc1911]

Very nice George! What radial is this? I'm sorry but I missed the build thread. Is it your design?

 

[enfieldbullet]

that's just beautiful.

looks like you found a new ceiling fan for the shop

 

[gbritnell]

Hi JW,
Yes it's my own design. Here's the link to the build thread.
http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/f31/5-cylinder-radial-winters-project-15122/

 

[jwcnc1911]

Well done! I know it's not much as an engine builder, but as some one who takes pride in being a good machinist, I'm impressed!

 

[e.picler]

Hello George!
This is simply amazing. What a nice work!
You should be proud. Congratulations for one more incredible project. You inspire me and others to continue building these little challenging machines.

Edi

 

[jwcnc1911]

George,

I'd like to inquire your cylinder/piston making process. Do you lap your cylinders and micropolish your pistons? What's your manufacturing process?

I'm learning a great deal here, but all of my experience comes from being a machinist in a diesel factory for the last decade - not really model applicable. I'm trying to learn what is "acceptable," not perform to Fortune 500 specs.

Do you ever do Stirling engines?

 

[gbritnell]

Hi JW,
I have never made a Sterling engine. As far as making cylinders and pistons here's generally what I do. Most of my cylinders or cylinder liners are made from cast iron, Durabar or schedule 40. It's a very fine grained cast iron. I usually bore to within a thousands or so and then hone to size with home made laps. This engine has 12L14 steel cylinders. I have never used it before but I know that fellows do use it. The main reason was for the finning. I thought maybe the fins would be a little fragile if I made the cylinders from iron. For pistons I use 7075 for the smaller ones, up to 1.00. For larger pistons I use 6061 because of the increased cost. I use them straight from the lathe meaning whatever fine finish I get from turning that's all I do. My rings are cast iron that I make up to 1.00. Over that I purchase them.
gbritnell